Interim Order 1

Order Details: COPY OF JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS
Pdf Text: 25 CC NI ACT / 17409/2025
Seema Crafts through AR Tarun Goel Vs. Manish Khandewal
06.05.2026
Fresh case received by way of assignment. It be checked and registered.
Present: Sh. Sudesh Goel, Ld. Counsel for the Complainant.
Perusal of complaint shows that the present matter has been filed after 01.07.2024 and the
same falls under Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Adhiniyam, 2023 (BNSS). As per Proviso 1 to Section 223 of
BNSS, it is mandatory to hear the proposed accused before taking cognizance. However, in light of the
judgment of the Hon’ble Supreme court in ‘
Sanjabij Tari Vs. Kishore S Borcar’, 2025 INSC 1158, the
requirement of hearing the accused on the point of cognizance is dispensed with.
Accordingly, arguments on cognizance and summoning heard on behalf of complainant.
I have gone through the entire record including the complaint and the documents. It is
alleged that accused has issued the cheque in question to the complainant to discharge his liability. On its
presentation the same was dishonored. Therefore, demand notice was sent to the accused by the
complainant. Despite service/deemed service of said notice, accused has failed to make the payment as per
provisions of Negotiable Instruments Act.
The counsel for the complainant submits that dictum of "A. C. Narayanan Vs. State of
Maharashtra & Anr." (2014) 11 SCC 790 is also applicable to complaints u/s 138 NI Act.
In the aforesaid judgment, Hon'ble Supreme Court of India has held that "...it is a matter
of discretion and the Magistrate is not bound to call upon the complainant to remain present before the court
and to examine him upon oath for taking decision whether or not to issue process on the complaint under
Section 138 of the NI Act. For the purpose of issuing process under Section 200 of the Code, it is open to
the Magistrate to rely upon the verification in the form of affidavit filed by the complainant in support of
the complaint under Section 138 of the NI Act..."
Complaint, affidavit of evidence and documents considered in light of above cited
judgment. In opinion of this Court, there is no need to examine the complainant/witnesses for purpose of
issuance of process. In view of complaint, documents produced and verification in the form of affidavit of
evidence, there are sufficient grounds for proceeding further against accused person(s) for offence
punishable under Section 138 NI Act.
Hence, accused person(s) be summoned through all permissible modes (including dasti)
for offence punishable u/s 138 of Negotiable Instruments Act on filing of PF/RC within one month. In the
event the house/office/premises is found to be locked/refusal to accept the service/any other contingency the
process be served through affixation.
Put up for appearance of accused on 19.01.2027.
(Arvind Tomar)
JMFC (NI ACT)-07 (Central)/THC
06.05.2026
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